Sometimes, the best move is knowing when to step back-and Brandin Podziemski showed exactly that kind of awareness in a moment that had NBA Twitter buzzing.
After the Warriors’ 123-115 loss to the Mavericks on Thursday night in Dallas, a clip went viral of Podziemski approaching Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson as they shared a postgame laugh on the court. The rookie guard looked like he was trying to join the conversation, only to quickly pivot and walk away.
At first glance, it seemed like a classic case of a young player misreading the moment. But according to Draymond Green, that’s not what happened.
On the latest episode of The Draymond Green Show, the Warriors veteran set the record straight.
“Y’all stay off my man BP,” Green said. “He was coming to talk to Klay, but we were in the middle of a conversation.”
It’s a small moment, but it speaks volumes about the dynamics within the Warriors’ locker room-past and present. Podziemski played just one season alongside Thompson before Klay signed with the Mavericks in the 2024 offseason.
Meanwhile, Curry, Green, and Thompson spent 12 years building a championship legacy together in Golden State. That kind of bond doesn’t fade easily, and in that moment, it was clear the trio was reliving old times.
“He was just comin’ to show some love to Klay,” Green continued. “I think most people wouldn’t have the feel to say, ‘Hey, I’m just gonna get the hell out of here, I’ll see him another time.’ So shoutout to BP for being like, ‘You know what, these guys laughing and talking’... he got the hell out of there.”
Green’s comments highlight something important: Podziemski didn’t misstep-he read the room. That kind of emotional intelligence isn’t always easy to come by for a young player trying to earn his place in the league. And for a guy who saw increased minutes last season-partly at the expense of a veteran like Thompson-it’s clear there’s mutual respect between the generations.
Of course, the internet had a field day with the clip. Some fans saw it as awkward, others thought it was hilarious. Green, for his part, took it all in stride.
“Got off my man’s back,” he said. “I saw a lot of people having fun with that moment. I thought it was pretty funny.”
Green also emphasized that there’s no tension between Podziemski and the vets-just a moment of timing that played out in front of the cameras.
“Fun moment... enjoyed seeing Klay as always,” Green added. “Wish we would've got the win.
Tough night for us, but that was a funny moment. I’m glad y’all had fun with it.”
With Jimmy Butler sidelined for the season due to a torn ACL, Podziemski will have even more opportunities to step up and make an impact. And if this moment is any indication, he’s got the poise to handle the spotlight-on and off the court.